From the Guidelines
For poison ivy treatment, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water to remove any remaining plant oil (urushiol) that causes the rash, as this can remove up to 100% of the oil if done immediately after contact 1.
Key Treatment Recommendations
- Washing with soap and water as soon as possible after exposure is crucial, with effectiveness decreasing over time: 50% at 10 minutes, 25% at 15 minutes, and 10% at 30 minutes 1.
- Topical corticosteroids may be recommended for symptomatic treatment, but their effectiveness, especially for over-the-counter options, is uncertain and not significantly different from control in some studies 1.
- Cool compresses may be considered for relief of local symptoms, although the evidence is not strong 1.
- Oatmeal baths are also suggested for symptomatic relief, but like cool compresses, the evidence supporting their use is limited 1.
- The usefulness of over-the-counter antihistamines for alleviating local symptoms is uncertain, with some expert consensus suggesting their use for help with sleep but questioning their efficacy for itching 1.
Additional Considerations
- For severe cases, oral corticosteroids like prednisone may be necessary, typically starting at 40-60mg daily and tapering over 2-3 weeks.
- Avoid scratching to prevent infection.
- The rash typically resolves within 1-3 weeks.
- Seek medical attention if the rash covers large areas, affects your face or genitals, shows signs of infection, or if you develop fever or difficulty breathing.
From the FDA Drug Label
5 Allergic States Control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment: Seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis Bronchial asthma Contact dermatitis Atopic dermatitis Serum sickness Drug hypersensitivity reactions
The answer to poison ivy treatment is contact dermatitis can be treated with prednisone.
- Key points:
- Prednisone is indicated for the control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions, including contact dermatitis.
- Poison ivy is a common cause of contact dermatitis.
- Prednisone may be used to treat poison ivy-induced contact dermatitis 2.